In today’s economy, career readiness is receiving increased attention at the state and federal policy levels and in our schools. Much of this is driven by growing interest in improving student transitions to both college and employment.

Recent federal legislation, such as the Every Student Succeeds Act, has brought national attention to improving both college and career readiness. Career development is a critical component, but there is widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of today’s services. Best practices are well-positioned to better inform and prepare students for the world of work; however, there is one notable limitation—they are not designed to foster employer leadership. As companies look to create a pipeline of talent to compete on a global stage, how can the business community secure and maintain the supports it needs to play an expanded role in career development?

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) proposes a transformational approach to prepare youth to develop stronger innovation and workplace skills through real-world experiences. By placing a stronger emphasis on employer-led problem based learning at all education levels, innovation moves from the periphery to the center of the curriculum.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has partnered with education technology provider EverFi to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly demanding and competitive workplace.

Of utmost importance is to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for improving academic achievement. This document intends to serve as a guide for forging partnerships, taking into account feedback from our local partners and employing lessons from their vast experiences. You do not have to be a chamber or NAACP chapter leader to benefit from this guide. Although it is a product of the coming together of these two groups, any similarly organized association can adapt these tools to meet their own needs. Whereas stewardship has its place, moving the needle on academic achievement requires more than providing goods and services to a school district.